A patient is prescribed Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) for muscle spasms. Which of the following is the most common side effect that the nurse should educate the patient about?
Tinnitus
Drowsiness
Diarrhea
Palpitations
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Tinnitus is a rare side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be caused by various factors, such as ear infections, noise exposure, or certain medications. Flexeril does not affect the auditory system directly, but it can cause confusion or dizziness, which may worsen the perception of tinnitus.
Choice B reason: Drowsiness is the most common side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Drowsiness occurs because Flexeril has sedative and anticholinergic properties, which means that it blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that regulates arousal and alertness. Flexeril can impair the mental and physical abilities, especially in elderly patients or those who take other medications that cause drowsiness¹. The nurse should educate the patient about the risk of drowsiness and advise them to avoid driving or operating machinery while taking Flexeril.
Choice C reason: Diarrhea is not a common side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Diarrhea is a condition that causes loose or watery stools, which can be caused by various factors, such as infections, food intolerance, or certain medications. Flexeril does not affect the gastrointestinal system directly, but it can cause dry mouth, nausea, or constipation, which may alter the bowel movements¹.
Choice D reason: Palpitations are not a common side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Palpitations are a sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat, which can be caused by various factors, such as stress, anxiety, caffeine, or certain medications. Flexeril does not affect the cardiac system directly, but it can lower the blood pressure or interact with other medications that affect the heart rate, such as betablockers or antidepressants¹.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that is used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. It does not affect the patient's ability to exercise or engage in strenuous activity. In fact, exercise can help improve lung function and reduce inflammation.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Fluticasone does not affect the patient's potassium levels. Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for the function of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Some medications, such as diuretics, can lower potassium levels and require the patient to eat potassium rich foods, such as bananas, potatoes, and tomatoes. Fluticasone is not one of them.
Choice C reason: This is correct. Fluticasone can cause hyperglycemia, which is high blood sugar. This can occur because corticosteroids can increase the production of glucose in the liver and reduce the sensitivity of the cells to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, hunger, urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. The patient should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and report any changes to their doctor.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Fluticasone does not affect the patient's digestion or appetite. It can be taken with or without food. There is no need to avoid eating for 4 hours after taking Fluticasone. However, the patient should rinse their mouth with water after using Fluticasone inhaler or nasal spray, as this can help prevent oral thrush, a fungal infection that can cause white patches, soreness, and bleeding in the mouth.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: "I am not ready to eat lunch yet." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. Albuterol does not affect the appetite or the digestion directly, but it may cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or dry mouth, which may reduce the desire to eat. The nurse should respect the patient's preference and offer them food later when they are ready.
Choice B reason: "It feels like my heart is racing." is a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, but it also stimulates the beta receptors in the heart, which can increase the heart rate and the blood pressure¹. This can cause side effects such as palpitations, chest pain, or arrhythmias, especially in patients with underlying heart conditions or those who take other medications that affect the heart. The nurse should monitor the patient's vital signs, report the finding to the prescriber, and prepare to administer interventions such as betablockers or calcium channel blockers to lower the heart rate and prevent complications.
Choice C reason: "It is easier to breathe now." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. This is the expected and desired outcome of the Albuterol nebulizer treatment, which indicates that the medication is effective and the patient is responding well. The nurse should document the patient's response and continue to assess the patient's respiratory status and oxygen saturation.
Choice D reason: "I can breathe better now." is not a concerning statement for the patient who has completed their Albuterol nebulizer treatment. Albuterol is a medication that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases the airflow to the lungs, which can improve the breathing and reduce the wheezing in patients with asthma¹. This is the expected and desired outcome of the Albuterol nebulizer treatment, which indicates that the medication is effective and the patient is responding well. The nurse should document the patient's response and continue to assess the patient's respiratory status and oxygen saturation.
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